Jordan got his life back on track through Street Survivors
Depression. Post-traumatic stress. Substance use. Homelessness. Jordan suffered from it all.
“I was in and out of shelters or living on the street since I was 16, and suffering from drug use. I felt hopeless because each time I’d try to change, I kept failing. Thankfully, I got connected with Street Survivors at The Neighbourhood Group.”
Street Survivors helps people who are homeless or marginally-housed by giving assistance with government and housing applications, referrals for physical and medical healthcare or legal services, offering transportation, and even providing simple things like a list of local food banks. The program is mobile, ensuring that participants have everything they need at the ready.
For Jordan, the journey from the street started in small increments, first by getting help with his medical appointments and prescriptions. By reaching that level of trust with staff, he was comfortable taking the next steps through harm reduction and relapse prevention programs.
“Staff helped me get through my difficulties, then got me a safe place to live. They followed up with visits to make sure I was ok and even gave me grocery gift cards.”
Today, Jordan has been clean for more than two years and works at the Alpha House recovery centre mentoring young people. His next goal? To build on his lived experience by getting a post-secondary degree and become a counsellor for people who use substances.
“It’s been a long journey but Street Survivors has been there every step of the way.”